5 Models and Representation Free Online FlashCards

What is a scientific model?

A scientific model represents a selected object, process, or system—the target—to investigate or communicate something about it.

What forms can scientific models take?

Models can be physical replicas, diagrams, mathematical equations, conceptual descriptions, or computer simulations.

How does a model represent its target?

A model preserves or highlights features relevant to its purpose rather than copying every detail of its target.

What is abstraction in modeling?

Abstraction simplifies a model by leaving out details.

What is idealization in modeling?

Idealization deliberately assumes simplified conditions that may not hold exactly in reality.

Why might a basic planet-orbit model need refinement?

A basic orbit model may treat a planet and star as point masses and ignore other bodies; it can be inadequate for explaining small orbital deviations.

How can a model describe a system’s structure?

A model can describe structure by identifying a system’s parts, boundaries, and connections.

How can a model help explain behavior?

A model can explain behavior by showing how interactions among parts could produce an observed pattern.

How does a model make a prediction?

A model can make predictions by deriving expected outcomes under specified conditions.

How can a model help explore possibilities?

Scientists can vary an input or assumption in a model and examine what changes.

How can a model guide an investigation?

A model can guide investigation by identifying observations or measurements that could distinguish competing accounts.

Why is a disease model’s output not a direct forecast?

A disease-spread model’s output is not a direct observation of the future; it depends on the model’s assumptions, inputs, and representation of the population.